EDU-Qs: Exploring the dark universe using quantum sensors
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Astronomical research has revealed that a staggering 85% of the universe's mass is dark matter. Huge international efforts are now underway to find the answer to what is dark matter. Using support from the QTFP programme, we have developed new levitated quantum sensors that search for a range of dark matter candidates. Quantum technologies are set to bring huge benefits to the UK in terms of both fundamental science and the economy. Importantly, the UK is a world-leader, and realising its potential is a priority for the government. To ensure that people have the right skills to work in these industries, and is representative of the general public, there is growing importance to encourage all students, particularly from under-represented areas, to pursue careers in STEM, fundamental physics and quantum technologies. This goal is one of our primary aims in this engagement programme.
To achieve this goal we will design and construct an outreach programme based on our QTFP funded experimental dark matter detection programme. It will consist of a Paul trap which levitates microscopic glass spheres, similar to our experiments. This is visually spectacular, and can be interacted with in a simple and safe way illustrating the mechanism for dark matter detection.
This outreach setup will be utilised in two key environments. The first, it will form the basis for a series of educational sessions which will be given to secondary school students. These sessions will introduce key concepts about dark matter and quantum technologies and how they can be used together. The students will learn skills in data analysis and coding, and will use this to undertake analysis of experimental data taken by our levitated sensors. This project will be developed in conjunction with the Orbyts initiative which have extensive experience in delivering educational project to schools. Our goal is to share with them the excitement, creativity and technical know-how that goes into undertaking this research and to involve them directly in it. Our general aim is to encourage interest in this subject area, but more generally to increase participation in STEM subjects and careers.
The outreach setup will also be used to demonstrate at a variety of science festivals and events across the UK. This will allow engagement with the general public from a wide background, demonstrating what the experiment aims to do, how it works and the benefits of performing these types of experiments to wider society.
To achieve this goal we will design and construct an outreach programme based on our QTFP funded experimental dark matter detection programme. It will consist of a Paul trap which levitates microscopic glass spheres, similar to our experiments. This is visually spectacular, and can be interacted with in a simple and safe way illustrating the mechanism for dark matter detection.
This outreach setup will be utilised in two key environments. The first, it will form the basis for a series of educational sessions which will be given to secondary school students. These sessions will introduce key concepts about dark matter and quantum technologies and how they can be used together. The students will learn skills in data analysis and coding, and will use this to undertake analysis of experimental data taken by our levitated sensors. This project will be developed in conjunction with the Orbyts initiative which have extensive experience in delivering educational project to schools. Our goal is to share with them the excitement, creativity and technical know-how that goes into undertaking this research and to involve them directly in it. Our general aim is to encourage interest in this subject area, but more generally to increase participation in STEM subjects and careers.
The outreach setup will also be used to demonstrate at a variety of science festivals and events across the UK. This will allow engagement with the general public from a wide background, demonstrating what the experiment aims to do, how it works and the benefits of performing these types of experiments to wider society.
